View Full Version : My A9 has an F model top!
OlderThanWillie
Mar-11-2004, 3:34pm
I was recently informed by a Gibson OAI employee (highly placed on the organization chart) that all tops made for the Gibson "9" series mandolins are originally created as F-model tops. Those that are destined to become A-models are then trimmed to the proper shape.
No wonder my A9 sounds like an F9!!! # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I wonder what they do with all the scrolls? I guess you could drill a small hole through it and hang it on your keychain.
Crowder
Mar-11-2004, 4:24pm
That's impossible because we all know that all the Gibson mandolins are built using tried and true Old World techniques, even the lowliest ones. The barbaric act you describe would only make sense if they were relying on...stand back.....MACHINES to cut the tops!
OlderThanWillie
Mar-11-2004, 6:07pm
Oh, did I forget to say they use machines?
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BigJoe
Mar-11-2004, 6:27pm
Of course we use machines. Not as many as some builders, but we do use machines for rough cutting. The final shaping and tuning are done by hand and that is true whether it is the A9 or the Master Model. We also use machines to help with sanding, routing, sawing, spraying, and buffing. Imagine that! If anyone has been to our plant they can see exactly what machines we use and what hand work is done. It is done right in plain sight and available for all to see. No secrets there.
Ted Eschliman
Mar-11-2004, 6:40pm
Yeah, but you should see these guys on their lunch breaks...
Did you know the boys churn their own butter when they eats them biscuits???
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I would venture to guess that 100% of the luthiers out there (or in here) use machines to do some of their work. Except during churning time.
Frank Russell
Mar-11-2004, 10:46pm
Machines or not, my recently purchased A9 is the best sounding newly made A model I've had, and I've had Weber Beartooths, an Absaroka, two Kentuckys, a Wynn and a super Flatiron A5 Artist, not to mention a few F's like Washburns, MK's, two Bitterroots and a Gallatin. This little plain brownie just kicks the you know what out of all of them, hands down. I could care less if they were made with robots, the sound is all I've been looking for. Frank
straight-a
Mar-17-2004, 11:51am
I agree. My A-9 is killer for the money and I love it. I'm a strictly A model player (nothing against an F-model, I just like the simplicity of the A's) and the A-9 is my favorite of the ones I have played so far. My A-9 is continuing to get louder, deeper and woodier as time goes on (received it Christmas-2003). I can't wait to see the difference after a couple of years of pickin'.